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Big Changes In LAUSD Magnet Applications

It's that time of year. No, not the holiday season, but the short application window to apply for a coveted spot in one of LAUSD's high performing magnet programs, as well as Permit With Transportation (PWT) and No Child Left Behind Public School Choice (NCLB-PSC) schools.

Last year, we parsed the application procedure and explained the complicated point system to you. Since then, there have been some changes:

1. The Good News: You Can Now Apply Online

This year, the traditional brochure that was mailed to the parents of all LAUSD students has been moved to the District's eChoices website.

Parents with accounts at LAUSD.net are encouraged to log in, but having such an account is not necessary for the application process. The District will also accept applications from parents of students who live within the District but are not currently enrolled in LAUSD schools.

3. Yes, Virginia, You Can Obtain a Hard Copy

A PDF version of the application may be viewed and printed out (in both English and Spanish) from the eChoices website. A limited number of hard copies were also distributed to individual schools, local district offices and Los Angeles public libraries last month. Hard copies must be filled out and postmarked to the District by December 16 at 5:00 P.M.

There are currently 172 campuses participating in the Magnet program. A few that stand out are:

Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies (LACES) - grades 9-12
and
Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies (SOCES) - grades 4-12

LAUSD describes the programs at these schools as ones that "emphasize creative/critical thinking in all disciplines. Students are assigned to classes according to academic needs and interests. A full range of athletic/social activities are also offered." Both are California Distinguished Schools.

The arts are represented at several District Magnets. Check out the programs at:

32nd Street/USC Performing Arts Magnet - grades K-8

Hillcrest Elementary School Music Magnet - grades 1-5

Loyola Village/LMU Performing Arts Magnet - grades 1-5

Nueva Vista Elementary School Performing and Visual Arts Magnet - grades 3-5

South Shores Elementary School for the Visual and Performing Arts - grades 1-5

Your children can learn in a trilingual environment at Amestoy Elementary School

High school students with an interest in architecture or digital arts can get a head start at the magnet at Kennedy.

Donna Schwartz Mills has lived the LAUSD experience as a parent of a teenager. See her comprehensive coverage of the magnet application process here, and more of her work at SoCal Mom.

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